After several months of fighting severe pain and arthritis, a dear relative got me an appointment with a rheumatologist at the Mayo Clinic. The same day - Oct. 31, 2008 - I was diagnosed with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Through exceptional care at the Mayo Clinic, I've been able to overcome immobilizing arthritis, histoplasmosis (a disease caused by the fungus histoplasma capsulatum), pulmonary embolisms (blood clots) in my leg and lungs as well as pericarditis (inflammation around the heart). I believe that's all of it :)

As there is no cure for lupus, I'll continue to face ups and downs with the disease. Anyone fighting lupus will tell you a strong support system is the key to coping with such a frustrating disease. I have been blessed with remarkable people in my life who've made dealing with all of it less difficult. I can't thank everyone enough for all your support, prayers and thoughts.

Latest Journal Update

Another day in a life with lupus

Hey, I thought I’d give an update since I’ve gotten a lot of
messages, which is much appreciated! Dave and I went to the ER last night because
I had intense chest pain and was having trouble breathing for the past few days.
The docs found inflammation and fluid in my heart and lungs – caused by a lupus
flare (They don’t know what triggers flares. Lupus does whatever it wants,
whenever, which is always fun...) I’ll see a cardiologist Friday to make sure
the inflammation/fluid isn’t causing organ damage.

The docs gave me drugs, and my pain has subsided
considerably. I feel a LOT better, just tired from being at the ER for 7 hours
until 1 a.m. – lots of angry bird
levels. All in all, just another lupus hiccup J